Galaxy formation and evolution: what to expect from hierarchical clustering models

Abstract

We give a brief review of current theoretical work in galaxy formation. Recent results from N-body and N-body/hydrodynamic simulations, and from semianalytic modelling are discussed. We present updated versions of some figures from Cole et al (1994). In particular, we show the effect of using the revised stellar population synthesis model of Bruzual and Charlot, which results in a much better match to the observed colour distribution of galaxies than before. We also compare the model output with recently available data on the galaxy luminosity function and the redshift distribution of galaxies in the B and K bands. The form of the Tully-Fisher relation at high redshift predicted by our semi-analytic scheme for galaxy formation is given.